The Rake and the Researcher

by Sara Bourgeois

  I settled into my chair and folded my hands in my lap with my ankles crossed. At the time, I was still trying to figure out the best way to rattle Gordon O’Malley’s cage, so I decided that I’d act demure while I sized him up. He struck me right away as the type of man who thought women had a place.

  “I see that Agatha got you some sweet tea. Would you like another glass? Perhaps you’d care for a scone. She generally won’t make them for me. Aggie believes that true Southerners only eat biscuits with jam, but I convince her to make a batch of raspberry scones every now and again,” he said.

  “I might take one to go if she’s around,” I said, hoping that would deflect the question without him thinking I was rude for turning him down. “I’ve still got plenty of tea, thank you,” I said as sweetly as I could muster.

  I caught him sizing me up as he took his place behind the massive oak desk that dominated the center of the room. The mayor’s office chair looked to be made of expensive imported leather, and it smelled brand-new. I wondered how often the man bought himself a new chair.

  “How is your research into Francesca Horowitz’s estate going? Ash Road and her residents are counting on you to resolve the matter quickly so we can put the money to good use for our town.”

  I bristled at this. I wasn’t hired to secure the money for the mayor. I was employed to find the truth. “Well, I hope that you get the resolution you desire, but I’m still looking for the facts. That’s actually why I came here. I’ve been having trouble with the facts of the case. A great deal of Mrs. Horowitz’s information seems to be missing.”

  “That’s probably my son’s fault. I don’t know that he’s the best fit for the position of town archivist, but I’m not sure that he’s capable of holding another job either.” Mayor O’Malley insulted his son matter-of-factly and confirmed his relation to Brody at the same time. “It’s a shame because he’s one of the people who stands to gain the most from the town getting the Horowitz estate.”

  “How does Brody stand to gain from the money?” I asked as I pushed down my anger. At that point, I didn’t know if Brody and his father were in a scheme together, but I knew right away that I no longer trusted Brody at all.

  “Well, a huge chunk of the money would be earmarked for expanding the archives. From what I understand, he’s close to having enough equipment to take in even more historical archives. He’d be able to apply for some sort of Federal status too. It would mean a big government salary and money to hire a staff.”

  I found it interesting that Brody hadn’t shared any of that information with me.

  I fumed on my walk back to work. One of my hands had a stranglehold on a brown paper bag with two scones in it. A confrontation was brewing and I’d thought that the walk would calm me down. I was wrong. All it did was give me more time to make myself even angrier.

  By the time I swiped my badge over the sensor, I could feel the heat on my cheeks. My heart was hammering out of my chest, and my breaths were short and ragged.

  I stomped down the hallways and stopped in front of Brody’s office. The door swung open as I raised my hand to knock.

  “If you’d come into work, I was going to take you over to the town hall to look at records today,” Brody huffed.

  That set me off even more. I didn’t work for him, and how dare he act like I punched the clock on his time. His father had treated me the same way. What was up with the O’Malley clan acting like I was there to do their bidding?

  “I was meeting with the client who hired me. I don’t see how that’s outside of the scope of my work here. I also don’t understand how that’s any of your business. You’re not my boss,” I said.

  “No, I’m not your boss. If I was, you’d probably be fired. You’re horrible to work with,” he said hotly. “I’ve never met someone who bothers me as much as you do.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me that you stand to gain the most from the town inheriting the Horowitz estate? What are you hiding from me?” I hissed.

  “I’m not hiding anything from you. I didn’t see how that was any of your business, and besides, it doesn’t matter. I know you think I did something to the records that you say are missing, but you’re wrong,” he growled back.

  “I never accused you of anything.”

  “I can see it in your eyes. You think I’m a rake or a rat,” he said, and his shoulders fell.

  Suddenly, I felt the overwhelming urge to comfort him. It’s not like I trusted him. Brody still seemed as though he was hiding something serious, but at the same time, I wanted to reach out and pull him into an embrace. I went with anger because I couldn’t handle the pull I felt toward him.

  “Do you blame me? I barely know you, but what I do know is that you’ve hidden information from me. Why did you withhold from me?”

  Brody opened his mouth to answer and then immediately snapped it shut again. He reached out and pulled me into his arms. I looked up at him to protest, and his mouth came down to meet mine.

  For half of a moment, I put my hands against his chest and tried to push him away. But when Brody started to pull back, fear chilled my veins. I didn’t want the contact to break, so I melted into him.

  His arms wrapped tighter around my waist, and I felt the light stubble on his chin brush against my cheek. It sent an electric shiver down my spine and heat pooled inside of my belly.

  As soon as I started to believe that I’d never feel anything but Brody’s arms wrapped around me and his mouth covering mine, he pulled back. It almost felt as if all of the air had been sucked out of the room. My world felt instantly emptier when we parted.

  Chapter Six

  Lara

  The next few days were a blur of Brody and me awkwardly avoiding each other at work. After the kiss, I’d turned bright red and ran away. We should probably have talked about what happened between us, but that would’ve required us to be in the same room with each other for more than a few uncomfortable moments at a time.

  To make matters worse, I was five more days into my work on the Horowitz estate and I hadn’t made any progress. Thankfully, Ellie was finally due to arrive.

  She rolled into town around noon, driving a big, black SUV that she must have purchased to replace her red convertible. I thought it was funny because when she stepped out of the truck, her dark aviator sun glasses, fitted gray slacks, and black jacket made her look like some sort of Federal agent.

  The last time I’d seen her, Ellie was rocking a California surfer chick vibe, and she never ceased to amaze me with her chameleon routine. Her long, beachy waves were replaced with a tight updo that was secured with a black mother-of-pearl comb.

  “Jeez, Lara. I hope this case doesn’t take long,” she said as she scanned the town square. “I cannot handle all of this cliché. This place looks like something out of a movie about a quirky small-town romance from the 90’s.”

  “It’s not so bad,” I countered.

  She rolled her eyes at me and put her hands on her hips. “I don’t buy it. You love the city. I bet you’re dying here.”

  “The inn is lovely. My room is beautiful and the breakfasts every day are almost guaranteed to ensure I leave Ash Road fat.”

  Ellie turned around and looked in the direction of the Magnolia and Willow Inn. She held her hand over her brow to shield her eyes from the sun and squinted.

  Without another word, Ellie turned around and opened the back door of her Escalade. She pulled two large, black suitcases out. “Okay, let’s see this place. You better be right about it or I’m driving the twenty minutes to the next town to stay at a real hotel.”

  “Oh god. Please don’t leave me. I still don’t have my car,” I said as we walked to the inn.

  “Fine, I’ll give it a chance, but this breakfast you’re selling had better be as good as you say it is,” she said with a cheerful smirk.

  Ash Road had its charms, and my temporary home was even winning over Ellie. We walked inside the Magnolia and Willow, and Becca’s face lit up. Yo
u’d have thought that Ellie and I were old friends coming home.

  “Welcome!” Becca boomed as she stood up from the desk. “You must be Ellie Kazamakis. Come in. Any friend of Lara’s is a friend of mine,” she said and pushed the guest book to the edge of the desk. “Sign in, and I’ll show you to your room. I’ve got you right next to Lara.”

  “Okay,” Ellie said as she signed the guest book. “Let’s do this.”

  That night Ellie and I ordered a pizza from the tavern. After we picked it up, we sat in my room and ate it while watching a movie on cable. During the slow parts, I filled her in on the last week. There wasn’t much to say.

  When Ellie found out that Brody and I had kissed, she demanded that I call him and arrange for us all to meet for a drink.

  I thought this was a terrible idea but Ellie had that look in her eyes that let me know that she would not relent. The plan was to introduce her to Brody the next day, but at least the bar would be somewhat neutral territory.

  My agency had told me that the mayor had scoffed at the idea of bringing Ellie onto the case. He’d become irate when they said that he was obliged to pay for her services under the contract he’d signed. It was my professional call to bring in another researcher, and I’m sure he probably hated me at that point.

  I still had no idea if Brody and Gordon were in on the scheme together, or if there was even a conspiracy, but a get-together at the tavern would allow me to gauge his reaction to Ellie’s presence in a relaxed environment.

  “Fine. I’ll text him but look at the time. He’s probably in bed. We do have work tomorrow,” I said.

  “Living in this town is making you dull,” she said.

  I ignored her and took out my phone. I debated for a couple of minutes about what to say. It could be awkward to text him about meeting me at a bar after our kiss.

  I’ve brought in a specialist to assist me with the case. She’s in town now and wants you to meet us at the bar for a drink.

  Putting the invitation on Ellie made it easier to ask. Still, I felt my stomach clench. Why was I so nervous?

  Sure. Be there in ten.

  That had been easier than I anticipated but I had no idea how he would act at the tavern. I suddenly wished I’d talked to him at some time during the previous few days.

  “He said he’ll meet us in ten minutes.” I noticed that Ellie was looking at me expectantly.

  “You’re not going wearing that. Did you bring anything a little sexier with you?” she asked.

  I didn’t answer, but I did glare at her.

  “Come on, Lara. This guy could be a creep, but what if he’s not?” Ellie asked.

  “You want me to wear sexy clothes and flirt with Brody just in case he’s not a criminal?”

  “I don’t know. Is he hot?” She asked and walked to the closet.

  “He is, but he’s also potentially a criminal,” I said.

  “I think that makes him even more attractive,” Ellie said with a wink as she whirled around with a red cocktail dress in her hands. It had flowers embroidered on the bodice and tiny spaghetti straps.

  “I’m not wearing that to meet Brody, Ellie. I brought it by accident.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Ellie and I walked into the Corner Tavern. I was wearing the dress because Ellie had said she wouldn’t take the case unless I did.

  Brody was alone at a table next to the bar’s only window. He was nursing a beer and staring at the table. He must have been deep in thought because his head didn’t lift from its position when we walked in.

  “He’s over there,” I said and pointed toward the table where Brody sat.

  “Wow,” was all Ellie said.

  This was the first time I’d seen Brody dressed in a t-shirt and jeans. The fabric of the shirt was stretched tight across his back in a way that showed off his sculpted muscles.

  Brody’s broad shoulders strained the limits of the shirt, and it was evident that he took care of himself. Since there wasn’t a gym in Ash Road, I imagined he had one in his mansion.

  He flexed a little as he took a drink of his beer, and I swear that I whimpered a little. A sharp pain radiated through my ribs as Ellie elbowed me in the side.

  “Play it cool, Tyler,” she said. “Remember he could be a criminal.”

  “I think that you were right about that making him even hotter,” I squeaked out.

  Before she could respond, Brody turned around and waved us over. I literally couldn’t move when I remembered the way his lips felt pressed against mine. It was like Brody’s arms were wrapped tightly around me again, and I couldn’t budge.

  Thankfully, Ellie took me by the hand and led me to the table. We sat down and she signaled for the bartender. I caught Jimbo rolling his eyes at her.

  “This isn’t a big-city bar,” Brody teased. “I’ll grab you ladies a drink. What would you like?”

  “It’s not like he’s busy,” Ellie huffed.

  “Still. Let me go get it,” Brody said. “By the way, I’m Brody O’Malley. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He extended his hand to Ellie and I immediately felt horrible for not introducing them. I was so wrapped up in obsessing over what Brody would say to me that I had lost my manners.

  “Ellie Kazamakis, and I’ll have a gin and tonic. If you think this place can handle that,” she said with a smirk.

  “It’s a small town, not a third world country,” Brody fired back. “Lara, what can I get for you?”

  “I’d like a rum and Diet Coke, please,” I said.

  Brody smiled. “Coming right up, ladies.”

  I watched him walk to the bar, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the way Brody’s derriere filled out his jeans.

  “You’re staring at his butt,” Ellie said loudly enough for the entire bar to hear. For someone who was usually all business, she was enjoying the Brody thing way too much.

  Brody didn’t turn around when she said it, but I swear I saw him stop for a split second. I thought I was going to die right then and there.

  When he returned to the table, I downed half of my drink in one gulp. Fortunately, after that, we got down to business.

  A half hour later, I’d gone over every record that I believed was missing. Ellie nodded her head and followed along as I relayed the information to both her and Brody. Both of them already knew what was going on, but this was the first time I had backup while confronting Brody.

  He grew paler as the conversation went on and I noticed that he’d begun to fidget. After shifting in his chair and clearing his throat seven times, Brody excused himself to the restroom without answering any of my or Ellie’s questions.

  “He really is evasive,” she said while he was gone.

  “I know. It’s weird, and I can’t get a handle on how he is involved, but I’ve got a bad feeling about him and his father.”

  “His dad is the mayor, right?”

  “Yeah,” I said in defeat. I’d told Ellie everything about how Brody stood to gain the most from the Horowitz estate going to the town.

  “You keep saying that you don’t know how he’s involved, but be honest with yourself, Lara. He’s the one who had access to all of the records you suspect are missing. If he’s involved, it’s because he’s directly sabotaged your research.”

  “Do you think it was him?”

  “I don’t know yet. It’s all highly suspicious, but I’m just not picking up the devious criminal vibe from him. Brody does seem nervous, but I don’t know if it’s because he’s guilty,” Ellie said. “You told me earlier that his father threw Brody under the bus when you went to talk to him about the case. Maybe there is something else up.”

  “That could be.” I didn’t want to let myself get my hopes up that Brody was innocent. I also didn’t want to think about what nefarious things had gone on between him and his father to get to that point.

  “The way I see it, you have two choices. You can either confront him and hope that he spills the beans or we can work this case and figure the mystery of
Brody and the Horowitz estate out together.”

  “I want to be wrong about this,” I said.

  “Look, I haven’t actually seen the files yet, but we’ll get into it tomorrow. Unless you want to go start working on it now?” Ellie said, but I could tell she thought it wasn’t a good idea.

  “No, it can hold until morning. It’s not like anyone’s life is hanging in the balance over this. It’s just money.”

  “I don’t usually make a call this early, but I think the records have been tampered with. I’ll know for sure tomorrow, but don’t despair. I have my methods.”

  Brody

  The women had refused to let Brody walk them back to the inn. He’d pretended to leave five minutes before them after his offer was rebuffed, but in fact, he’d been hanging out behind the building waiting for them to exit.

  It was quiet on the street, and he could hear their conversation as clear as if he stood next to them. Both of them suspected him of sabotaging the records. He felt his chest tighten at the thought of what that meant he had to do.

  If that judge had just given the Horowitz estate to his father without making them call in outside help, Ash Road could have kept their secrets without bloodshed.

  His hands were shaking and Brody found it hard to swallow because his mouth and throat felt like cotton. If he was going to be the type of man who got things done, he’d have to steel his nerves.

  He stayed far enough behind them that Lara and Ellie didn’t know he was following them. He’d gotten better at this since the first couple of times Lara almost caught him tailing her.

  The two of them slipped into the inn, and Brody waited on the sidewalk behind a large bush until he saw their room lights go on, and he knew he was ready.

  Chapter Seven

  Lara

  Brody walked into the records hall the next morning wearing a confident smile. Something in his demeanor had shifted from the night before, and the enigma of his personality was starting to make me doubt my sanity.